Why I Love a Hot Toddy

The tasty cocktail is key for winter comfort.

Sarah Ravits

Living in a veritable cocktail capital provides us with plenty of inspiration when it comes to crafting our own drink recipes, and a hot toddy is an exceptional beverage that staves off the winter blahs while encouraging a bit of creativity.

Traditionally, the cold-weather concoction calls for a blend of whiskey, hot water and sugar or honey, but last winter, while I waited for my heater to get fixed, I arrived at the conclusion that my perfect variation includes peppermint tea, a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick.

Some people swear by the healing properties of the hot toddy to perhaps cure or at least alleviate symptoms of a common cold – though I’m sure most doctors these days wouldn’t exactly prescribe it. But as someone who begins to shiver when the mercury drops below 70 degrees outside, I recommend it, officially, as a delicious way to stay warm.

This article appears in the Winter 2013 issue of New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles